01
Dec
Written by: Elliott
Like George Best, Eric Cantona made his name at Manchester United as a gifted yet volatile winger with a pension for uttering quotable phrases. While Eric never equaled the individual exploits of Best, he did write his own chapter as a fan favorite.He also won several trophies and ushered in a new era of Manchester United dominance.
Like all heroes though, he had an Achille’s heel. Cantona’s temper got him into trouble, but his quick tongue almost always disarmed the most stern of sensible defenses. His career lowpoint was a highpoint was a lowpoint. And gave way to one of King Eric’s most infamous quotes. Eric the King? A stretch. But most definitely Eric the Infinitely Quotable.
When Eric came to Manchester United, the Red Devils were a far cry from the current trophy-laden kings of England. He had won titles in France. He also had played a supporting role in Leed’s Premiership campaign before being signed by Sir Alex for the modest fee of 1.2 million pounds.
The Scot knew of the frenchman’s history, including bustups with teammates at Montpellier of the French first division. Eric had fallen out with the chairman at Marseille, yet made the move to England on the basis of advice from his psychoanalyst. Still, for every quirk, Eric had an infectious cockiness to his personality and play. It was a calculated gamble, and one that paid rich dividends.
Cantona’s first memorable performance in a red shirt came away against Spurs in the 92-93 season, when he scored a goal and also created a dizzying array of changes for teammates. Still, his mercurial form mirrored his volatile temperament. In a rematch against Leeds, he spat at a fan and was fined.
Still, United went on to win the inaugural Premiership trophy. They also won the title in 1994, although for all his trophies, Cantona continued to display a contempt for disciplinary rules and regulations. He was sent off various times in his United career, although the creme de la kicking-creme occurred in 1995.
Against Crystal Palace, Cantona took issue with some physical defending and launched a savage revenge kick on a defender. He was dutifully shown red, but as he walked off the pitch, a taunting fan got under his skin. Cantona’s reaction? Anything but kingly…
While most players would duck out before the game’s completion, Cantona had a love/hate relationship cultivated with the media. On the one hand, he basked in the camera’s flashing affections. On the other hand, he got annoyed. And never more so when he uttered…
Eric’s remark left the journalists amused and tongue-tied. He also never softened his stance, later remarking in life that his fondest memory was “kicking that hooligan.” Still, despite the modern day image of Cantona “the recalcitrant media cowboy”, we shouldn’t forget his footballing skills.
Eric won over the hearts of Manchester United fans with his renegade attitude, neat flicks, and mesmerizing goals. While mercurial, Eric’s strongest trait was an acute awareness of the opposing goalkeeper. Unlike Best or Pele, Cantona rarely daringly dribbled into a bee’s hive, but his calculated chips from distance surprised and embarrassed many a goalkeeper.
Cantona served a 9 month ban from football, but Sir Alex stood by the mercurial Frenchman. And his faith was rewarded in that memorable 95-96 season. United trailed Newcastle by 10 points at Christmas, but Cantona provided the goalscoring edge for a youthful United side that claimed the Premiership title.
His redemption came full circle in the FA Cup final, when Cantona captained United to a memorable victory over Liverpool. Cantona scored the match winner in spectacular volley, catching David James off his line after a corner kick….
The following year, Cantona captained United to another EPL title. However, the Frenchman felt his time had come, and announced his retirement from the game at age 30. He dabbled in the media, landing a part in the film Elizabeth and doing those atrocious jogabonito commercials. Although the demon chest-crushing commercial was acceptable.
Recently, in the wake of France’s qualification, Cantona criticized Henry not so much for his handball, but for attempting to comfort an Irish player afterward. Cantona boldly stated that if he had been that Irish player, a physical affray would have ensued. And given the king’s checkered past, few would doubt him.
Related posts:
